'We want new Bracken and Bramble' - plea from fans

Bracken and Bramble should be replaced by another pair of shire horses when they retire, according to a fan of the equine stars.

Dale Priest, from Bracknell, contacted the Standard expressing his sadness at the pair's forthcoming retirement and launched a plea to Bracknell Forest Borough Council bosses to replace them.

Bracken, 22, and Bramble, 19, are due to be retired at the end of the summer after working for the council's landscaping team for 16 years. They will head to Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Norfolk for a well-deserved rest.

"I was very sad to read that the two wonderful shire horses that have been working in Bracknell are due to retire," Dale said.

"After giving so much pleasure to so many people, it's good to know that these magnificient animals will be having a well-earned retirement.

"However, what a dreadful shame that Bracknell doesn't feel the need to replace them."

Dale hailed Bracken and Bramble's work as "sterling" and said even when the town centre regeneration is complete there would still be a need for shire horses.

In getbracknell's video of retiring Bracken and Bramble, Tim Eatwell, the council's senior horse handler who has looked after the four-legged chaps ever since they arrived, said although he would be sorry to see them go, it was time they hung up their hooves.

"It's a shame that the council are not going to replace them at the moment but you never know," he added.

As reported in The Standard and on www.getbracknell.co.uk, council bosses say they have no plans to replace Bracken and Bramble but may look into the option later when the town centre regeneration has taken place.

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